We hope you're ready for some weekend fun, because it's going to be a great one for central Arkansas families! Fans of comics, superheros, sci-fi and more don't want to miss the River City Comic Expo, where families can meet some of their favorite characters or even dress up in their finest costumes for the cosplay contest. Plus, the Ninja Turtles are in town to present a live action show with an anti-bullying message, and the Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre presents an adventurous production of "The Ugly Duckling." Read on for details on all eight of our top weekend picks for families!

"The Ugly Duckling" at Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre: This re-imagining of the classic fairytale follows a young girl as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. This shadow play unfolds with three actor-puppeteers, two overhead projectors, almost 100 paper puppets, and original music performed live by an ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, directed by Geoffrey Robson. Best enjoyed by those ages 5 and up! Read our full article on "The Ugly Duckling" here. Showtimes: 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Aug. 28-Sept. 6. $10. For info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org.

River City Comic Expo at Statehouse Convention Center: Celebrate comic books, sci-fi, and fandom at this annual expo for all ages. Dress as your favorite characters for the cosplay contest, and attend some of the day’s panels and workshops. Special guests include Marvel and DC inker Bob McLeod (The Incredible Hulk, Conan the Barbarian, The Legion of Super Heroes, Wonder Woman), writer Gail Simone (Secret Six, Conan Red Sonja, Tomb Raider), artist/writer/creator Michael Golden (Dr. Strange, co-creator of X-Men’s Rogue character) and many more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 29. $5; children under 12 are free with an adult. For info: (501) 492-9007, RiverCityComicExpo.com.

Guardian Anti-Bullying Campaign Presents Turtles Live Action Show at Statehouse Convention Center: Ninja Turtles Live Action show is full of martial arts action with a powerful anti-bullying message. The martial artist performers bring talent, comedy, and a positive message to the stage. Limited VIP tickets include a pizza party and meet and greet with the Turtles at 4 p.m. Your ticket purchase will also help the Guardian Anti-Bullying Campaign travel to hospitals and schools to share support and the anti-bully message. 5 p.m. Aug. 29. $20; VIP $50. For info: NinjaTurtlesLive.TicketLeap.com.

Back to Girl Scouting at Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum: Join the Girl Scouts-Diamonds in exploring one of central Arkansas's best kept secrets: Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum! Girls have the chance to participate in a scavenger hunt, learn Morse Code and Flag Code, and join in on other fun activities. Submarine tours for the Girl Scouts are $3. 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 29. For info: (501) 758-1020, GirlScoutsDiamonds.org.

Saline County Health & Wellness Fair at Bryant First United Methodist Church: Take advantage of free health screenings while the kids take part in fun activities and games. The elderly can receive immunizations for shingles and pneumonia, and get information on veterans and senior citizens benefits. And the whole family can enjoy fitness demonstrations, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital fire demo house, and landings from the Med Flight and Angel One helicopters. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug.29. For info: Facebook.com/SalineCountyHealthFair. FREE!

Splash Dance and Dive-In Movie at Magic Springs Water & Theme Park: Attend the final Splash Dance and Dive-in Movie of the season! Head to the Wave Pool at 6 p.m. for a splashy dance party, and stick around until dark when a movie is shown on a big screen. This Saturday's film will be "Remember the Titans." Aug. 29. Both events are free with park admission: $54.99 on Sat., Mon.-Sun. $44.99, children 3 and under are free; kids under 48 inches tall enter at a reduced admission price; all admission is half-price after 4 p.m. For info: (501) 624-0100, MagicSprings.com.

Back to School Bash at Wild River Country: Teens are invited to this evening event just for students in grades 7-12. They'll enjoy music spun by Alice 107.7 and can brave the brand-new high-thrill slides. 6-10 p.m. Aug. 28. $20. For info: WildRiverCountry.com.

Arkansas Travelers vs. Tulsa Drillers at Dickey Stephens Park: Spend a perfect August evening at the ballpark! Extra excitement includes Clunker Care Night (Aug. 27) and a fireworks display (Aug. 28). 7:10 p.m. Aug. 27-28. Price: $4-12; add $1 on game day. For info: (501) 664-1555, Travs.com.

For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.